The name Marlee is a variant of the English name Marley, which is believed to be derived from the Old English place name "Mere Leagh," meaning "pool meadow." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages and was particularly common in the northern counties of England.

The earliest recorded use of the name Marlee dates back to the late 16th century. One of the earliest documented bearers of the name was Marlee Winslow, an English landowner from Yorkshire who lived in the 1590s.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marlee. In the 17th century, Marlee Pemberton (1624-1687) was a prominent Quaker minister and author from Lancashire, England. Her writings on religious tolerance and nonviolence were influential during the English Civil War period.

In the 19th century, Marlee Blackburn (1825-1901) was a British explorer and naturalist who led several expeditions to the Amazon rainforest. Her detailed accounts of the region's flora and fauna were widely published and contributed to the scientific understanding of the area.

Marlee Matlin (born 1965) is a renowned American actress and advocate for the Deaf community. In 1987, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film "Children of a Lesser God," becoming the first Deaf performer to receive the prestigious honor.

Marlee Reid (1856-1932) was a Scottish artist known for her vibrant landscape paintings capturing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Her works were exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy and are held in several museum collections.

The name Marlee has also been associated with various fictional characters over the years, further contributing to its recognition and popularity.